Cerritos College Vs. Citrus College

Kim05 · Aug 3, 2010

Congratulations on getting accepted into both schools! =] I am planning to apply to these schools also, but I'm afraid my GPA is not competitive enough since Citrus College does not do lottery. Do you mind telling me what your gpa was when you applied? Thanks!

-Kim

tokidokifantasy · Aug 3, 2010

Hi!! I think you have broken down the pros and cons pretty accurately. If you are pursuing a master degree afterward, then I think you should pick a better school with the higher passing rate. That isn't saying you will not pass, but it's a matter of how well you are taught by the teachers. Yeah, clinical is further and you will be stuck in traffic, but I think Cerritos has really good reputation as far as the teachers go. They really prepare the students for the real world. I don't know much about Citrus, it seems like a very competitive program but passing rate is low. You should ask how teachers are like in that school on this board.

You should break it down what are more important to you ? the distance? the education you will get? the grades?

BTW...I was also accepted by Cerritos to enter their Spring 11 class. I have only applied to three. Cerritos was my second choice and I am very happy that I got in. Many students on this board have said so much great things about the program, I can't wait to start. I would not let the driving part get to me, I think in the end its all worth it. It's only two year program, and like you, many of us will go on to get our BA or Master, so having a solid foundation is very important and I truly believe Cerritos will prepare us for the real world.

Good Luck!

ms.a · Feb 26, 2011

I think you should go for Cerritos. Sounds like a great program and that is what you should be aiming for, not distance. This is your career. Just think about it, who will make you the best nurse?? Who will help you pass the NCLEX? Thats what it all boils down to.

Can I ask you a question...

What kind of grades do you need to get into these schools?

I live in Temecula and I am also planning on applyint to Cerritosc Citrus, and Rio Hondo. Any word on Rio Hondo? I am from SD and pretty much apply anywhere and everywhere that is WASC accredited. Is it hard to get into these schools? In SD you need pretty much a 4.0 gpa to get in. Since I am a B student I don't think that is even possible but I am still trying anyway. Temecula is 1 hr from SD and so are these schools in LA (well, 1hr or more depending on traffic) At this point I will drive a little over 1hr so get this done!

Please advise!

SugarNSass · Feb 26, 2011

Don't mean to crash your thread, but OP, which school did you end up choosing and how did you like it?

Also, I will be applying to Cerritos next week (I'm excited :yeah: ) so your pro and con breakdown helped me out a lot. If anyone has any more information on the program there I would REALLY appreciate it.

Ms. A, the programs are competitive and impacted here as well, but some schools use a lottery system to select admits, so an applicant with a 4.0 has the same chance as an applicant who meets the minimum requirements. Where else are you thinking about applying?

BT001 · Feb 27, 2011

@ Kim05, I honestly had a pretty low overall GPA. I think it was the fact I did well in my 3 core sciences (A's in anatomy and microbio, and B in physio) and I'm done with all other classes needed to get an associate's because I already hold a BA in another field. I was shocked as well that I got accepted into Citrus college as a last minute alternate because I thought a lot more people had a better chance than I did but you never know! So I encourage everyone to apply anyways.

@ Ms. A, wow temecula is far from cerritos and citrus college. Do you plan on moving? Traffic does take a lot out of you and the time spend studying. Every hour counts in nursing school!

@ SugarNsass, I ended up choosing Cerritos. I'm doing well in my classes so far, so that's why I like it! It will only get harder and harder, so we'll see how that goes. The teachers are really good at lecturing and they test you things that they have taught.

Good luck everyone!

ms.a · Mar 1, 2011

BT001... Yes, I agree 1 hr plus just one way alone is far! But since I live in Temecula I have no choice. All schools around me will be 1 hour plus away except for Mt. San Jacinto which is 30 mins away but require a 4.0 gpa that I do not have. They pick 2 on a lottery base and 22 with the highes gpa. If you know of any schools on this side of town please advise! And I have done research on RCC and Mira Costa College.

Just another question.... I thought Cerritos was based on a lottery system meaning someone with a 4.0 has the same chance as someone with a 3.0?? Someone verify this?

travelgurl18 · Mar 1, 2011

Temecula to Cerritos, thats one hour without traffic right?

I would do a test run. For 3-4 days drive from your house to cerritos in high traffic time back and forth. Then ask yourself if you could do that for two years in order to have a better opportunity to get into the very competitive MSN programs. If driving for hours wears you out, I wouldnt do it. If it doesn't bother you as much as you thought then go for it!

Some considerations:

- the commute is a great opportunity to listen to your voice recorder of the teachers lectures , also helps pass the time

-gas money and car maintance fees

-physical stamina (sitting in a car forever can seriously drain you)

-ability to move out near the school

I'm applying to many schools that are 20-30 miles from me so I plan on moving out to the area I go to school in. This means taking out student loans, but I know that I will have a lucrative career after the RN program. Also the community college RN programs are so inexpensive ( comparatively), the money I'm saving there balances out the money I will spend on room and board. I need all the hours of studying I can get, so its worth it to move for me.

tokidokifantasy · Mar 2, 2011

BT001... Yes, I agree 1 hr plus just one way alone is far! But since I live in Temecula I have no choice. All schools around me will be 1 hour plus away except for Mt. San Jacinto which is 30 mins away but require a 4.0 gpa that I do not have. They pick 2 on a lottery base and 22 with the highes gpa. If you know of any schools on this side of town please advise! And I have done research on RCC and Mira Costa College.
Just another question.... I thought Cerritos was based on a lottery system meaning someone with a 4.0 has the same chance as someone with a 3.0?? Someone verify this?

It's true!! Cerritos College is lottery based. 4.0GPA has the same chance as someone with 2.5GPA.

Instructors are all super super nice, it's very intense, if you don't fall behind on the readings and studying, you will be fine in the class. I love it so far!! LOL:lol2:

ms.a · Mar 3, 2011

I would totally move if I had the option. But since I have a family I will have to suck it up. I work at Scripps La Jolla and drive 45 mins to work. I have been to some schools (for orientation) thats at least 1 hr away and you are right it is draining but I will have lectures to listening to on the way home. At this point I feel that I don't have any other choice becuase all the schools (but 2 National University and Mt San Jancinto) are all 1 hr drive.

Is anyone else out there commuting this far?

Please share you experience.

Also I need help with the TEAS test.... advice? study guides? anything helps!!!

ms.a · Mar 3, 2011

thanks tokidokifantasy for clearing that up!

travelgurl18 · Mar 4, 2011

You can get the ATI teas study guide relatively cheap at half.com or amazon.com make sure its version 5 aka V . most schools are testing with that test, but check with your school to make sure